Dark Skies Protection

Protecting our dark skies is as simple as choosing good lighting and as complicated as eliminating air pollution. Let's start with the simple stuff. Good lighting means efficient and properly directed lights. There are three main components to this:

1. It points down from a reasonable height (burglars usually don't fly). Ideally, this is a light on an ~8 foot pole that has a shroud to point the light downward. A shroud with a reflective interior maximizes your light output. Light that is not directed points up and blocks out the stars, but it also points out and ruins your night vision. This means lights without a shroud actually make it more difficult for you to see in the dark. On this same note, keep the lights away from trees. Trees, of course, cast nice, big shadows. In addition, trees have a sort of "internal clock" that determines the season based on the length of the day. Lights confuse this internal clock and cause trees to bloom and seed too early or late!

2. It is amber or red in color. Most people don't want to make their houses look like the red-light district, but amber light is a good alternative. It is much easier on your eyes and casts a softer light, resulting in equally soft shadows. Hard shadows are the best place for danger to hide, so this is beneficial to your safety. Also, amber lights are less likely to attract moths and birds because they don't look like the moon.

3. It has a motion sensor. I am the first person to complain about how obnoxious some motion sensors can be. When I was a kid, I regularly stood in front of a dark "motion-sensing" bulb waving my arms for minutes at a time just to walk around the corner, suddenly followed by a flood of light. It was exasperating! However, the technology has greatly improved and you can actually get motion sensors that even detect the difference between two and four legs. Not only do these devices turn your lights into visual security alarms, they also decrease the energy your lights use. If the lights aren't motion sensors, solar-powered is another energy (and money) saving option. A motion sensing and solar-powered light would be a dream. Apparently, light manufacturers agree and thus far, it seems too good to be true.

This last thing isn't a dark sky protecting essential, but it will save you money. LED lights are more expensive up front, but they last significantly longer and use a LOT less energy. Amber LEDs are harder to come by, so if you find some, tell us! An amber cover is a viable alternative.

Here's the challenge. Try to find a light fixture that has all of these qualifications...

May beautiful skies always follow you!
-Kate